Address | Waterloo Road | Capacity | 30.852 |
City | Wolverhampton | Surface | grass |
The Molineux Stadium, opened in 1889, is the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, known as the 'Wolves'. Located in Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands region, England, this stadium has witnessed over a century of football history. It was the first stadium built specifically for a Football League club and one of the first in England to install artificial lighting, allowing for night matches since the 1950s.
With a current capacity of 31,750 spectators, Molineux is comprised of four main stands: the Stan Cullis Stand, the Steve Bull Stand, the Billy Wright Stand, and the Sir Jack Hayward Stand. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several significant renovations, including a reconstruction in the 1990s under the direction of Sir Jack Hayward, and the renovation of the Stan Cullis Stand in 2012, which increased its capacity and modernized its facilities.
Molineux has hosted numerous prominent events, including international matches and European encounters during the 1950s, when the Wolves were pioneers in organizing matches under artificial lights against renowned European teams. These 'European nights' contributed to the development of continental competitions such as the European Cup.
The name 'Molineux' derives from Benjamin Molineux, a local 18th-century merchant who built Molineux House on the site where the stadium now stands. In addition to hosting football matches, Molineux serves as an events center in Wolverhampton, offering facilities for conferences, banquets, and other celebrations, with a capacity for up to 500 guests.